Zika-fear pregnant woman's UK deportation reviewed

Deiseane 'Daisy' Santiago, from São Paulo, met Simon Ellis online three-and-a-half years ago.

A pregnant Brazilian woman advised not to return to the country amid Zika virus fears is to have her UK deportation case reviewed.

Deiseane Santiago, 22, became pregnant in January while visiting her fiancé in Kegworth on a five-month visa.

Her attempt for a UK visa extension was initially denied and the Home Office said she would have to return.

However, the Home Office said it was now reconsidering her case.

On Thursday morning, Miss Santiago was told she was no longer at immediate risk of deportation.

A Home Office statement said: "We are in contact with Ms Santiago and are reconsidering her case."

A friend of the couple, Susan Cooke, said: "It is a great relief that 'Daisy' is no longer at risk of the Home Office turning up on Friday to remove her.

"However, we are not out of the woods yet. But for the first time this week, things are looking hopeful. This could actually turn into a success story with a healthy baby being born in the UK."

The couple want to marry and live in Brazil after their baby is born in the UK

Miss Santiago's fiancé, Simon Ellis, said he feels "scared and trapped".

"All I want is a safe birth for my baby," he said.

"I don't want a chance for that baby to catch microcephaly and I don't think I should have to take that chance."

Miss Santiago said: "I'm feeling a lot of stress. I'm depressed, I can't eat.

"If it wasn't about this virus Zika and advice of doctors and my mum telling me that I shouldn't go home, I would be home."

Earlier, supporting an application to extend her visa, her GP cited Public Health England advice over pregnant women travelling to Zika hotspots.

Miss Santiago (middle) and Mr Ellis (right) - pictured with Mr Ellis's mother - intend to settle in Brazil

Miss Santiago, from São Paulo, met Mr Ellis online three and a half years ago.

She travelled to Kegworth to visit him in November and the couple got engaged about six weeks ago.

The couple changed her return flight to November - after the baby's due date - and applied to have her visa extended until then.

A doctor at the local surgery in Kegworth had advised against Miss Santiago travelling to Brazil

On Monday, Miss Santiago - now 25 weeks pregnant - was told her application was refused, and that she could be arrested and deported within days.

A letter from the Home Office acknowledged the GP's advice that pregnant women should avoid travel to countries "with active transmission of the Zika virus", but stated advice "is in respect of British nationals travelling to affected countries".

Zika virus: What you need to know

• Deaths are rare and only one-in-five people infected is thought to develop symptoms which include conjunctivitis (red, sore eyes), headaches, joint pain and rashes

• There is no vaccine or drug treatment so patients are advised to rest and drink plenty of fluids

• The infection is suspected of leading to thousands of babies with underdeveloped brains